MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided burial assistance to the family of the late Felipe Natanio, popularly known as “Mang Pandoy.”
In a statement, DSWD Undersecretary and officer-in-charge Alicia Bala said Natanio’s family was also referred to the Quezon City Social Service Development Department for further assistance.
Mang Pandoy captured the hearts of the Filipino people in 1992 when former President Fidel Ramos presented him as the “face of the poor.”
“We sincerely condole with the family of Mang Pandoy. It is indeed unfortunate that he died of a disease that has reportedly been the top cause of death among Filipinos. We shall always remember him – his courage and perseverance to provide for his family despite the odds,” Bala said.
She said the DSWD has sent food packs to the family along with financial assistance for burial amounting to P12,500.
Natanio, 73, died last Sunday from complications of tuberculosis.
He had a public affairs program “Tambayan ni Mang Pandoy” which he anchored with Daniel Razon on government television station Channel 4. – Helen Flores